Sustainability Watch - January 2012

Avery Dennison Label Stock for PET Recycling

MENTOR, Ohio—Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials announced that three additional Fasson® label constructions have met the Canadian protocol requirements of the Association of Post-consumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) for the recycling of PET thermoformed containers. The constructions are: 54# Semi-Gloss paper with AT-1 adhesive; 2.0-mil Clear BOPP film with S2001 adhesive; and 2.6-mil White BOPP film with S490 adhesive.

The three additions, along with the previously approved Fasson Direct-Thermal 200HD paper with S490 adhesive, provide Canadian brands, retailers, and converters a family of prime paper, filmic, and variable information labeling solutions to select from when adhering to protocol requirements.

"Avery Dennison understands the dynamics of the consumer products market and the increasing necessity to deliver innovative labeling and packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact," said Kevin Clunie, product manager, Avery Dennison. "We develop ongoing solutions to meet the unique requirements of building a more sustainable value chain."

In June 2011, the grocer coalition in Canada announced it is requiring suppliers to shift to PET clamshell thermoformed packaging in an effort to streamline recycling. The requirement, which the new test protocol for labels and adhesives meet, becomes mandatory January 1, 2012.

FLEXcon L.I.F.E. Certification

GLOUCESTER, Mass.—Spencer, Mass.-based FLEXcon has been awarded L.I.F.E. (Label Initiative for the Environment) certification from the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI). The Project L.I.F.E. program was developed in order to assist TLMI members to find cost-effective ways to reduce their companies' environmental footprint.

Frank Sablone, TLMI president, comments, "I would like to congratulate FLEXcon on their recent TLMI L.I.F.E. certification. As we continue to see, the L.I.F.E. Certification Program delivers tangible bottom-line benefits to both industry converters and their suppliers. A company long recognized for their commitment to the environment, and to their employees, I applaud FLEXcon for prioritizing L.I.F.E. Certification and for continuing to enforce their unwavering dedication to best environmental practices."

Colbert SFI Certification

CHICAGO—Colbert Packaging Corporation announced that its Louisville, Ky.-based manufacturing facility has received Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) Chain of Custody Certification from NSF-ISR, an organization accredited by ANSI to certify companies to SFI standards. Colbert's Louisville facility is the fourth to achieve one or more chain of custody certifications for its compliance with the strict tracking requirements pertaining to certified paperboard originating in well-managed forests.

"At Colbert, sustainability is not an event; it is a process, one that's deeply rooted in our commitments to good corporate citizenship and environmental responsibility," said Jennifer Gross, chain of custody administrator for Colbert Packaging. "That process is perhaps best reflected in our chain of custody certifications, which require ongoing employee training, internal audits, and annual re-certification. Achieving SFI Certification for Louisville was a significant, deliberate, and well-orchestrated step in the process, and now, we're pleased to be able to extend our sustainability benefits to all customers across all four Colbert facilities." pP